“The key to success is dedication to life-long learning.”
– Stephen Covey
One of WSRB’s principles is continuous learning and growth. An integral part of our overall mission is to provide educational opportunities for our team members, industry professionals, fire service professionals, building owners, and the community at large.
In line with this principle, we are proud to announce WSRB-sponsored scholarships for both the Washington Fire Chiefs (WFC) Conference and Fire Prevention Institute (FPI).
WFC Conference Scholarship
The Washington Fire Chiefs' annual conference is dedicated to “providing leadership through service, education, and advocacy.” The WFC Conference gives fire chiefs from across Washington state the opportunity to interact with colleagues from other departments and attend valuable training sessions to supplement their knowledge.
Chief Steve Brooks of the Lacey Fire Department (far right), president of the
Washington Fire Chiefs, with other chiefs from around the state.
The WSRB WFC Conference Scholarship covers the registration cost for one Washington state fire chief each year. In the coming years, we will select qualified candidates to receive this scholarship, so they can connect with other chiefs, learn the latest information, and take their new knowledge and awareness back to their communities.
According to fire chiefs, the WFC Conference is a must-attend event that provides benefits on multiple levels:
- The vendor fair, a showcase of the latest and greatest in firefighting technology and gear, offers chiefs the ability to test new equipment and learn how to modernize their own departments to protect their communities more effectively.
- Interacting with other chiefs allows attendees to build a network of peers they can call for advice and consult about emerging issues. Whether running a complex metropolitan department or a small rural outfit, chiefs can tap into the wealth of knowledge provided by their colleagues, including the expert perspectives provided by more experienced chiefs.
- Classroom-based training sessions deliver first-class tips and tools in an interactive environment where chiefs can learn and ask targeted questions.
All elements of the experience boil down to one powerful result: a holistic understanding of the firefighting industry in Washington state. By providing high-quality education and professional development, the WFC conference serves the diverse needs of local fire agencies. WSRB is proud to help further these goals for the benefit of communities across the state by awarding the WSRB WFC Conference Scholarship.
FPI Scholarship
The weeklong Fire Protection Institute is an event hosted by the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Washington Public Fire Educators, and the Washington chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). The conference provides attendees with important prevention and strategy information to help fire officials overcome the challenges they face in the field. Additionally, the annual event includes essential Continuing Education training hours needed for code recertification.
The WSRB FPI Scholarship covers the cost of event registration for an individual who otherwise would not be able to participate due to financial limitations. Each year, the scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to network with other fire officials, attend a variety of educational sessions and return to their communities with increased fire prevention, education, and investigation knowledge.
We are pleased to support fire professionals in our state who want to continue to learn and grow. I love John Wooden’s observation, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
Even when we have achieved amazing things and become accomplished within our respective fields, we must continue to grow. There is always something more to learn, always another person to connect with, and always a new tool that we can add to our toolkit as we pursue excellence.
Our goal is to provide information and services to help protect people and property throughout Washington state. By arming local fire chiefs and marshals with up-to-date knowledge and offering them the opportunity to build networks of trust and communication with other departments, we help create safer, better-protected communities.
And that is a worthy investment!
